Last week was a big week for immigration policy. In addition to President’s Obama Executive Immigration Action, Department of Homeland Security announced Temporary Protected Status Designations for Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

Due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in West Africa, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced his decision to designate Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for 18 months. Eligible nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone who are currently residing in the United States may apply for TPS with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and will be authorized to apply for an Employment Authorization Document.

In order to qualify for TPS, individuals must show:

They are nationals of Liberia, Guinea, or Sierra Leone (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in one of those three countries);

they have been continuously residing and continuously physically present in the United States since November 20, 2014; and

they must undergo thorough security checks.

Registration period for TPS begins November 21, 2014 and runs through May 20, 2015.

Liberians currently covered under the two-year extension of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) may apply for TPS, but they must do so within the 180-day registration period.